Route 70 westbound bridge deck to be replaced over Route 38 in Pennsauken

NJDOT officials announced a project to replace the Route 70 westbound bridge deck over all lanes of Route 38 in Pennsauken, Camden County. The bridge – located at milepost 0.7, near the western terminus of the highway — carries Route 70 westbound traffic into the merge with Route 38 westbound toward the interchange with Route 30 and Route 130.

On Saturday night, NJDOT’s contractor, R.E. Pierson Construction, is scheduled to set up the initial construction zone on the northern third of the bridge, requiring the long-term closure of the right travel lane. The first stage of construction involves the installation of temporary bridge supports and the replacement of the deck and parapets in the right lane and under the existing sidewalk. A temporary staircase and walkway will be attached to the north edge of the bridge to ensure pedestrian access can be maintained in future stages of the project.

The bridge deck replacement work will be accomplished in three stages — one travel lane at a time, starting with the right lane, then the center lane, then the left lane — which will reduce Route 70 westbound from three travel lanes to two throughout construction.

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NJDOT will maintain two travel lanes on the bridge during morning and evening peak period commuting hours, but the contractor will be allowed to periodically close an additional lane – thereby reducing Route 70 westbound down to one travel lane – during overnight and mid-day hours for crucial deck pouring operations.

Pedestrian access over the bridge will be maintained at all times, including access to the NJ TRANSIT bus stop located on Route 38 eastbound at the base of the bridge. Pedestrians are encouraged to follow signs designating the safe pedestrian pathway across the bridge and to the bus stop.

NJDOT will maintain all available travel lanes on Route 38 underneath the bridge during daytime hours, utilizing traffic shifts. Overnight single-lane closures will be necessary on Route 38 to accommodate construction activities at the bridge. The Route 70 westbound exit ramp to Route 38 eastbound will remain open throughout construction.

The $3.9 million project is needed to replace the existing structurally-deficient bridge deck, upgrade existing safety features including bridge parapets and guide rail, and install ADA compliant cross-walks in the vicinity of the bridge.

NJDOT looked at numerous alternatives during design, including a full closure of the bridge, before ultimately moving forward with the staged replacement of the deck. The project has been coordinated with local officials and emergency response agencies and with NJ TRANSIT bus operations.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.